Located on the banks of Yamuna, Agra is best known for the iconic Taj Mahal. However, the appeal of this historic city is not limited to this magnificent monument alone. There’s a lot to explore and experience, from monuments and mausoleums to parks and bazaars. If you are planning to visit Agra for a short trip, this article will certainly help you in planning things more effectively.
1. Enjoy the beauty of Mehtab Bagh
Mehtab Bagh is a Persian-style garden complex built by Emperor Babar. Replete with airy pavilions, plastered walkways, fountains, and pools, the enticing garden is a green haven where you can spend some time away from the touristy crowd and still enjoy stunning views of the Taj Mahal. If you are a shutterbug, it is one of the best spots from where you can capture some amazing shots of the Taj.
2. Watch the light and sound show at Agra Fort
Every night around 7:30 pm, the light and sound show takes place in front of the Diwan-i-Aam in Agra Fort. The show takes you through a journey of the Mughal era with light falling on various parts of the fort, making it one of the most amusing things to do at night in Agra.
3. Go shopping at Kinari Bazar
Kinari Bazaar is one of the most famous markets in Agra among tourists and locals. It is a colorful market dotted with several shops each specializing in different wares. This market is famous for its business with wholesalers and retailers. The Kinari Bazaar is home to a wide choice of handicrafts, along with marble, glassware, rugs, imitation jewellery, fabrics, cosmetics, decorative items, handicrafts, watches, perfumes, and ladies’ bags.
4. See the Taj Mahal under moonlight
The magnificent marble construction of the Taj Mahal changes various hues at different times in the day from dawn to dusk. But, did you know that the night view of the Taj Mahal is such an exhilarating sight to view and admire the monument of love? This great white structure shimmers under the moon light and this resplendent beauty is an eye treat to the viewer.
5. Savor the lip-smacking delicacies special to Agra
One of the most delightful things to do in Agra is to savor the mouth-water delicacies of the city. The first thing that needs to be on your mind is the exotic Mughlai cuisine popularised over decades. Variations of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes will surely satiate your desire for trying out new food.
Give your taste buds a feast at fantastic restaurants in the city and taste the tinge of delicious chaats at Sadar Bazaar. Be it the tandoori chicken or crispy kebabs, you can have it all in Agra.
6. Stay at the luxurious ITC Mughal, Agra
Sprawled over 93077 sq. m of Mughal-style gardens, with the characteristic use of water channels, fruit trees, flowers and shaded walkways, this resort is a fitting tribute to the great Mughal builders of the past. The hospitality of the staff here is commendable. In close proximity to the Taj Mahal, this luxury resort offers 233 opulent rooms and suites, a resplendent spa, signature cuisine offerings and a range of elaborate banqueting facilities.
7. Take a trip to Fatehpur Sikri
Fatehpur Sikri is a city predominantly draped in red sandstone, situated at a distance of 37 km from Agra. It was built by the Mughal emperor Jalal-ud-din Mohammad Akbar, in honour of the great Sufi saint Sheikh Salim Chisti. Its magnificence and unique design offers a fine example of the emperor's architectural finesse.
During sunset and sunrise, the turrets and domes create shadows and silhouettes against a copper red sky, an inspirational scene for a painter's canvas.
8.Boating in the Yamuna river at sunset
Adore the mesmerizing beauty of the grand mausoleum Taj Mahal while you boat through the waters of the Yamuna. You will be left awestruck while admiring a beautiful sunset along the waters of the Yamuna, with the Taj Mahal adding a touch of elegance to the setting in the background.
9. Buy sweets from Panchi Petha
Panchi Petha is a reputed name in premium quality petha, namkeen and other delectable delicacies. Petha is a sweet dish made from white pumpkin. Since 1950, they have been famous in Agra and even today, tourists make sure they buy different varieties of sweet from this place. Don't forget to get some for you and your family!
10. Mughal History at the Taj Museum
Located inside the Taj Mahal complex, this museum hosts many original Mughal artefacts, art work and more. Those who visit the Taj Mahal make it a point to visit the museum and explore the preserved elements of the Mughal era. The origin of the Taj Museum dates back to 1906. It was created under the orders of Lord Curzon (the Viceroy of India from 1899 to 1905) in two hexagonal rooms on the west side of the main entrance of the Taj Mahal.
I ardent believe that if you are visiting a place for the first time, you should try to explore every nook and corner of that city. Agra being an ancient city has lots of unique places with great historic significance. I hope this article helps you in exploring Agra in a better way.
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